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A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Bali

Planning a trip to Bali? Wondering if it will live up to your expectations? This guide is here to help you make the most of your Bali adventure!

guide to bali




Bali, often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," may not have the untouched charm it once did, but it still offers an array of experiences for travellers. The island boasts luxurious resorts and vibrant shopping destinations, including malls like IKON Bali, Living World, Beachwalk, and Discovery Shopping Mall. Despite its increasing modernity and tourist influx, Bali retains a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and buzzing entertainment options, making it a versatile destination for all types of visitors.


Bali Travelling
Bali is still a dream destination


 

Preparing for Your Bali Trip

Planning your trip to Bali can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key considerations:

1. Define Your Travel Goals

Are you looking for a serene retreat surrounded by nature or a lively atmosphere filled with nightlife and entertainment? Identifying your preferences will help you craft a personalized itinerary.

2. Choose the Right Location

When choosing the right destination in Bali, consider the vibe you're seeking. North Bali offers tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat, though it may lack advanced infrastructure and amenities. 


Read also:

Exploring East Denpasar


On the other hand, South Bali is a vibrant hub with lively beaches, modern conveniences, and a thriving nightlife, but be prepared for crowds and bustling activity.

vacation in Bali
Travelling with child in Bali


I highly recommend preparing an itinerary to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip. This will help you make the most of your time in Bali and avoid any surprises along the way.


Do you like going to the beach?

Bali Beaches Recommendation


When traveling to North Bali, take extra care in selecting your accommodation. Some hotels may not meet your expectations, with dusty rooms or even cobwebs, so do thorough research ahead of time. Additionally, renting a vehicle can be a great way to explore the region at your own pace and access more remote areas.


ikon bali mall
The newest mall in Sanur



If you’re heading to South Bali, be prepared for the crowds and heavy traffic, especially in popular areas. The region is also more commercialized, with an atmosphere that has lost much of its original cultural charm due to the high influx of tourists.

3. Prepare Local Currency

Ensure you have enough Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) on hand. ATMs are widespread, but carrying cash is useful, especially in remote areas.

4. Plan Your Transportation

Renting a car or motorbike is a common way to explore Bali. Ensure you have an international driving license and be prepared for local traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can download apps like Gojek or Grab for convenient transportation options, offering rides without the need to drive yourself. 

5. Choose the Right Travel Time

Consider the season before booking. Avoid peak tourist periods if you prefer quieter experiences, and check for weather conditions as the rainy season can disrupt plans.If you're interested in experiencing Bali during local festivals, consider planning your trip around Galungan and Kuningan, which often vary each year, or Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, typically celebrated in March. For more details about Nyepi, you can read further here.

 

Must Do Things While in Bali

To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:

1. Purchase a Sarong and Waist Scarf

These items are essential for visiting temples and other holy sites. Local gift shops sell them at reasonable prices. You also can rent the sarong and the scarf at the tourism location but I suggest you own them as you can bring them as souvenirs too. If you want to find souvenir ideas for friends and colleagues, you can read here.

 2. Shop Smart

Souvenir shops offer fixed prices, but if you’re visiting markets, be prepared to bargain for the best deals. Don't be shy to start bargaining starting at half the price, but don't overbid either.


You must take this quality product home:

Geokraft: Balinese Bags with Extraordinary Artistic Value



 3. Be Cautious About Food and Animals

If you're Muslim, be mindful that pork is commonly used in Balinese cuisine, so always check the ingredients before ordering. You can find tips on finding halal food here.


balinese food
Balinese traditional food


Additionally, Bali's food can be quite spicy, so if you're not accustomed to heat, it's a good idea to ask for milder options. 

During the dry season, mosquitoes can be more prevalent, so take precautions like wearing repellent to avoid bites. You can find other tips for vacationing during the transitional season here.

It's also important to be cautious around stray dogs, as bites are a common risk and owners may not take responsibility for their pets' actions. Stay aware and prioritize your safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

4. Follow Local Rules and Customs

Respect the laws and traditions of Bali. Avoid improper behaviour, particularly at cultural and religious sites.

5. Respect Holy Places

Temples and other sacred locations require modest dress and behaviour. Creating inappropriate content in these areas is highly disrespectful and can lead to legal repercussions.

 

Conclusion


bali tour
A couple is travelling in Bali



Bali remains an enchanting destination for first-time travellers, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and modern attractions. By planning ahead, respecting local customs, and staying mindful of your surroundings, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to this island paradise. Whether you’re seeking serenity, adventure, or a bit of both, Bali has something for everyone.

Comments

  1. Bali just like a paradise. No wonder if people are very interesting with Bali. But unfortunately, I have never been there 🥲🥲.. I wish I could go to Bali.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Saking banyaknya destinasi wisata di Bali, maka kita perlu merencanakan tujuan kita saat ingin berlibur ke sana. Belum lagi, aku tuh emang pingin banget ke Bali.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If first time in Bali, it's a good idea to look for references to interesting places you want to visit, and it's also a good idea to hire a tour guide.

    ReplyDelete
  4. For the beginner, I think these guideline will usefull so much, then we can explore Bali better and finally having best experience in it

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bali is one of my favorite destinations, one day I want to visit it again. The combination of natural beauty and culture is really a shame to miss.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This guide is really cool. So you can enjoy your holiday in Bali to the fullest and with pleasure. And the key is thorough preparation. So you have planned what you will do while in Bali. Thorough preparation saves time, energy and money

    ReplyDelete
  7. Iyaa Kak Felis. Pas ke Bali walau udah 3x tetap tanya ke warungnya ini halal gak?

    Masih pengen ke Ubud atau ke Jimbaran. Biar gak ke Kuta melulu.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Daku pernah makan di warung tenda Bali gak jauh dari penginapan dan deket Bandara (lupa namanya apa, karena waktu itu pesawat delay), kaget sama sambalnya. Pedes sih, tapi bikin penasaran hehe.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Soal Bali, sepertinya urusan makanan yang paling bikin aku khawatir. Khawatir kalau udah dimakan tapi ternyata nggak halal.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Although without preparation, Bali is very enjoyable for destination. We could party all night long, swim at a different beach, or just stay at the hotel/villa. But u must have a money. U could choose cheap/expensive destination, and sometime many destination are free for tourist. Remember, Bali is a paradise island. U could do whatever u want there.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've been to Bali and it seems like there's no public transportation there. And it's true, you have to be extra careful with the food. As a Muslim, I always have to ask before buying food, worried that it might contain pork or other non-halal ingredients.

    ReplyDelete
  12. By determining the tourist attractions in Bali, exploring Bali can be optimised. I think I should also pay attention to the problem of ‘What are you going to Bali for?’
    If you enjoy the natural attractions, so focus there. If you want to learn the culture, then you can stay longer in beautiful Bali.

    ReplyDelete

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